SENNA is an unusual film. It represents the first foray into documentary film for the writer, director, producer and even the production company (Working Title). Disregarding his inexperience in the documentary form, Asif Kapadia is still not the most obvious choice to direct the first major film to deal with the life of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna. The resume of the British director, originally from Hackney, chiefly contains epic but understated human dramas in remote locations (he presented his last, Far North, at the Glasgow Film Festival in 2008) alongside one ill-fated foray into the Hollywood thriller genre with The Return (2006).

Kapadia has said, “For me, film is a very visual medium. I’m not the sort of person who will make a film that is really dialogue heavy”3. For Senna, the director’s preference for visual storytelling has evolved into a rejection of talking heads or objective voiceover as part of the fabric of his film and a reliance instead upon period footage and audio-only interviews with first-hand observers of and participants in the story.

Although any story dealing with spectacular endeavour but ending in tragedy is ripe for dramatic depiction, several moments in Senna are almost preternaturally suited to the scheme of the monomyth, Joseph Campbell’s famous “hero’s journey” template for world myth. This seems even more remarkable, given Kapadia’s decision to reject the standard talking heads and voiceover approach, which would have allowed a more authorial slant. Dealing with only extant footage and focussing wherever possible on the subject’s own narration, the heroic account of Senna’s journey appears self evidently veracious.

It’s less remarkable, perhaps, when the filmmakers’ explanation of their deliberate approach is taken into account. Kapadia and Manish Pandey, the writer, make no bones about their intention to structure the film in this way and certainly do not shy away from the mythical subtext. Pandey has said, “Senna’s story is, for me, the story of man – of his quest for perfection in this worldly life and of his journey home to God.”4 The writer has elucidated, “I even had in my mind what the three acts would be – his ascent to the World Championship, his struggle, which only begins when he becomes World Champion, and then his death, which is the whole third act.”5 The result is a film that has been described as “hagiographic”6 and “panegyric”,7 but most often has simply been praised for its thrilling, Hollywood-style presentation of real world events.

Imposing this mythic structure on the 15,000 hours of footage reportedly available, the filmmakers inevitably excised elements that perhaps did not fit the overall arc. It is also important to note that Senna is a film that would not have been possible without the approval of Senna’s family and Eccleston, two parties that clearly lack total objectivity. Further, by limiting themselves to the available footage and, as a rule, focussing on pre-existing interviews with Senna himself, the filmmakers would not be able to draw in much relevant but peripheral information. For example, Jean-Marie Balestre, the clear ‘villain’ of the piece – although also analogous with Campbell’s mythical father figure – had a questionable background in the French SS. Aside from the villainous connotations of such a history, it has been suggested his consequent conspicuous patriotism may have clouded his judgement with regards to Senna’s rival Prost.11 Neither is any mention made of Senna’s brief marriage, or his three-year relationship with Adriane Yamin, who was 15 when the courtship began.

On the other hand, while footage apparently exists of Senna standing at the corner where he met his death, one month earlier, saying “Somebody is going to die at this corner this year”, Kapadia rejected its use,12 perhaps aware that the subtle but profound fatalism his film evokes would be undermined by such an overt statement. However, a 90-minute rendition of any human life is inevitably reductive and, as John Grierson famously claimed, “The only reality which counts in the end is the interpretation which is profound.”13 Senna’s own sense of fate, of God’s will, is what drove him and what ultimately drives Senna.

Talent and motivation that he possessed were unbelievable, humanity and courage separated him from others. His passion and spirit will serve as an example for generations to come. Ayrton Senna will remain a myth forever.

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A SOURCE OF WISDOM

“ When my car goes into a corner, I am already at the apex, and so on. It’s the same whether I am braking, changing gear, putting on the power, whatever. In effect, I’m predicting what I’m going to face, so I can correct it before it actually happens. ”

In the late 1990’s Universal Geneve teamed up with the Ayrton Senna Institute (IAS). Founded in 1994 by Ayrtons Senna’s family and presided by...

SENNA continues to inspire

Working with passion inspired us to work together with the fans from all around the world, in the name of the biggest star in motorsport history.

Ayrton Senna represents our childhood, he is synonymous for our growing up and the most beautiful years of our lives. He pushed the boundaries and paid the ultimate price, that’s what made him the greatest. Enjoy with us in our journey through time and keep the good moments forever.

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A PASSION FOR SUCCESS

” Winning has never come easy, It was always in a fighting way. Sometimes you have to sacrifice so many things to fulfill your dreams. Even if that means disagreeing with some people. They will never truly understand or want too. But as long as you believe, you will succeed. “

motorsportmagazine.com | July 2011
For a few days after seeing Senna movie, I couldn't get the man out of my mind, and perhaps not surprisingly...

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Did you know that a monthly donation of only U$10 means teaching one child per year how to read and write, in one of Ayrton Senna Institute’s educational programs.

Support the Ayrton Senna Institute to ensure kids learn to read and write at a proper age. For over 20 years the Ayrton Senna Institute has contributed to create opportunities for children and young Brazilians through education.

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“A Tribute to Life” celebrates the life and legacy of three-time world champion . Network of non profit domains, inspired by beautiful stories and fully dedicated to Ayrton Senna.